bulk and surface properties

• nanoparticles are structures 1-100nanometers (nm) in size, they contain a few hundred atoms they are smaller than fine particles, which are 100-2500nm (1 x10-7 - 2.5x10-6 m) in size
• nanoparticles involve fullerenes

  • high surface are to volume ratio, smaller quantities needed to be more effective
  • good catalysts
  • highly selective sensors
  • nanotubes conduct electricity, used in small electrical circuits
  • lubricant coatings, as they reduce friction
  • sun cream + deodorant (leaves no white mark)
• some possible risks associated with some nanoparticle materials

  • harmful to health i.e. enter the bloodstream and cause harm
  • a lot of nanoparticle materials are unknown therefore there are little known effects which is worrying to some
• glass ceramics

  transparent, hard, brittle, poor heat and electrical conductors

  uses : windows, bottles
• clay ceramics

  opaque, hard, brittle, poor heat and electrical conductors

  uses : bricks, porcelain
• polymers

  can be made transparent, translucent or opaque, poor heat and electrical conductors, can be tough/ductile

  uses : plastic bags, bottles
• metals

  shiny, good heat and electrical conductors, hard, tough

  uses : cars, bridges, electrical circuits
• why the properties of a material make it suitable for a given use

  • windows : glass ceramics are suitable as they are transparent and hard, clay ceramics wouldn't be suitable as they are opaque
  • bricks : clay ceramics are suitable as they are hard and opaque
  • plastic bags : polymers are suitable as they are ductile
  • electrical wires : metals are suitable as they are good conductors or electricity all the others aren't suitable as they are all poor conductors of electricity